Dear Editor,
THERE have been calls for lifestyle audits for the Patriotic Front Members of Parliament, former cabinet ministers and some party officials. The Office of the Auditor General recently issued a circular for lifestyle audits of the PF officials.
Before delving into the issue of lifestyle audits, let me shade light on lifestyle audits. In a nutshell, lifestyle is a scenario where someone is held accountable for the wealth he or she acquired. In simpler terms, the person should explain the source of his or her wealth.
In the case of the politicians, notably those holding public office, lifestyle audit implies that they should explain how they acquired wealth before assuming public office.
As much as people appreciate the lifestyle audits, there is need to audit both the Patriotic Front officials and the United Party for National Development officials unlike what is happening.
As it is, it appears like the lifestyle audits are targeting only members of the PF which should not be the case. The issue of targeting anyone with close ties to the former ruling party is tantamount to witch-hunting. This kills the tenets of democracy.
Targeting the PF officials for alleged corruption by virtue of conducting the lifestyle audits is one way by the UPND Government to divert people’s attention from the numerous campaign promises it pledged prior to the August 12 general election.
People are eagerly waiting to see the actualisation of the UPND campaign promises. Just a reminder, UPND promised to reduce the price of mealie meal, our staple food to K50, a bag of fertiliser to K250, selling of the presidential jet, reduce the electricity tariffs and reduce the price of fuel, among others.
I am not refuting that some PF officials committed crime whilst serving as Cabinet Ministers. But, there is need to adduce evidence against the PF officials who are alleged to have acquired wealth in dubious ways.
What people should bear in mind is that some people acquired wealth long before joining politics. Some politicians have been involved in business enterprises before becoming politicians.
If UPND is pursuing the political opponents on allegations of corruption to gain political mileage, the ruling party is on the wrong trajectory.
In a nutshell, the lifestyle audits should not only target the PF officials but the UPND officials as well. Otherwise, the move will merely be seen as a ploy to persecute the PF officials..
ELEMIYA PHIRI.
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